Page 12 - May June 2010

The Arkansas–Oklahoma Railroad Co Kenneth Williamson
The Arkansas–Oklahoma Railroad Co, owned by the State of Oklahoma, began operation on 3 March 1996. The line runs from McAlester, Oklahoma, where it interchanges with the Union Pacific, to Howe, Oklahoma, a distance of 73 miles. The railroad is based in Wilburton, Oklahoma.
From 7 July 2000 the A­OK has leased the Shawnee Branch from the Union Pacific and interchanges with them at a connection near Oklahoma City, a distance of 36 miles. A­OK also switches Midwest City, OK Automobile Logistics Facility.
The line was originally owned by the Rock Island Railroad which, sadly, went out of business in 1980.
The A­OK is currently run by President/CEO David Donoley and his wife. Both are big fans of the old Rock Island, so much so that the three operating locomotives are painted in the colours of the Rock, red and yellow, as well as a caboose. The Rock Island’s crest is also on the engines but has been slightly modified to avoid any lawsuits. I should add that both Mr and Mrs Donoley are extremely nice people.
The A­OK has acquired an ex­Rock Island EMD SW­1 switcher No 536 built at La Grange, Illinois on 24 April 1942 which the railroad plans to restore and put into service.
The A­OK hauls coal, sand, auto parts as well as hazardous materials and operates under a 10 mph speed restriction. The track is slowly being upgraded after years of neglect but it is an expensive business.
At Howe the A­OK interchanges with the Kansas City Southern Railroad. The Rock Island originally crossed KCS by way of a diamond en route to Memphis, Tennessee. The diamond was taken out not that long ago by the KCS. Interestingly the old Rock Island signal protecting the diamond is still in place at Howe and is currently being used as a nest by the local birds!
There are a lot of very good places to take pictures of the A­OK between Wilburton and Howe, including a bridge where the name “Rock Island Line” is clearly visible. However, because it is sometimes difficult to determine where exactly a train will be, it’s probably better going to either Howe or Wilburton, where you are at least guaranteed to see a train!
(Photographs of the A-OK taken in September 2008)
The Region T-Shirt
The all new 65th Anniversary polo shirts are now ready to order. After the great success of the 60th anniversary shirts, I have again designed a new polo shirt for the 65th; the difference this time is, you can include your own name (see picture page 13).
They cost the same price as back in 2005, which is not bad after five years: £17.50 P+P £1.95. The order form is on the main website. If you do not have web access, let me know and I’ll send you a form.
Nobby Clarke
12 ROUNDHOUSE